How to Replace a 1995 Toyota Corolla Starter

The Toyota Corolla's starter sits on the front of its transversely mounted, four-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine. The best way to change the starter is by working over the front of the car and lifting it out from the top. The starter motor is not accessible from under the car, because the frame cross member runs right below it. If your starter is failing or has quit, remove and replace it, or take it to an auto parts store and have it bench tested.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wrench set
• Socket set
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench

1. • 1

     Open the hood of your Corolla and locate the negative battery terminal. Loosen the retaining bolt of the negative battery cable end with a wrench, then remove the cable from the battery terminal. Isolate the cable from the battery while you are working.

   • 2

     Remove the air cleaner assembly from the top of the engine by removing the wing nut on the rod in the center of the air cleaner. Lift the housing off the engine, and remove the air intake hose from the port on the radiator support, setting it out of the way, as well.

   • 3

     Locate the starter by looking straight down into the engine compartment between the radiator and the engine. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the starter by pushing in on the locking tab, then separate the connector from the starter.

   • 4

     Remove the nut from the "Bat" terminal on the side of the starter with a wrench. Remove the cable from the terminal, and set it aside for now.

   • 5

     Remove the upper and lower mounting bolts from the starter assembly with a socket and ratchet. Slide the starter back from the bell housing, and lift it out of the engine compartment. Lower the new starter into place, sliding the nose cone into the hole on the bell housing, then install the two mounting bolts.

   • 6

     Tighten the mounting bolts to 29 pound-feet with a torque wrench. Install the cable on the "Bat" terminal, followed by the retaining nut, and tighten it with a wrench until it is secure. Plug the wiring harness connector into the connector on the starter motor, making sure the two halves lock together.

   • 7

     Set the air cleaner on the retaining shaft on the top of the engine, and install the wing nut to retain it. Route the air intake hose to the port on the radiator support, and push it on.

   • 8

     Install the negative battery cable on the negative terminal of the battery. Install the clamp bolt through the cable end, and tighten it with a wrench.